ISLAMABAD: Two-day long celebrations of Pakistan’s 70th Independence Day came to a conclusion here at Safa Gold Mall, Islamabad. The celebrations began with an impressive countdown activity, followed by performances by school children, a painting competition and a grand cake-cutting ceremony. Organised on the premises of the Mall, the countdown event was attended by thousands of customers and passersby. The gathered crowed silently waited for the clock to strike midnight and mark the beginning of Independence Day. Men, women and children waved mini flags and relished the patriotic songs being played on the mega screen. The City School and Safa Gold Mall jointly organised a performance by school children in which they played national songs on the sound system, attracting and enthralling a large crowd in the process. Later, the children also took part in a painting, drawing portraits of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah and Allama Iqbal. Speaking on the occasion, General Manager Mohsin Masood said that with every passing year Safa Gold Mall has witnessed bigger and more energetic crowds that gather to celebrate the Independence Day. He thanked the attendees and appreciated the efforts of security and management teams in making the event a success. Published in Daily Times, August 16th 2017.